Learning Progress 2

I began to research on tutorials targeting on character modeling. I prefer looking at visuals and practice at the same time to understand new technology since I'm an innovative learner I tend to focus on specific learning subject and analyze this topic. The reason of choosing 3D studio max as my learning subject because I'm interested in producing 3D characters and create flawless emotional characters from my new learning skills.

My strengths are looking at the visual and reading at the words in order to understand a new topic. Throughout the tutorial, I've analyzed there are pros and cons in most of the 3D studio max character modeling tutorials. The benefit is the steps of developing the character however without explaining the settings or function of the tools. starting by forming a low poly which is the basic shape of the character then slowly shaping the details of the character. So most of my tutorials are articles and they tend to explain more and easier for starters like me to understand the basic of it.

Reference:
Lehtinen, A. 2010. 3D Monster « Polygon Blog 3D – 3ds Max Tutorials. [online] Available at: http://www.polygonblog.com/3d-monster/ [Accessed: 1 Jan 2014].

An example of good tutorial I've found during my research based on the link above. I can download the reference images to have modeling process easier front and side view and also images and point forms to have a clearer of steps for the process. There's also a list of steps in an ascending order so by following the steps while testing out eventually shows and by clicking the button tools allows me to explore the function of the tool settings to see the impacts on my character.

As for this tutorial, I've learned how to use the function of the vertex by cloning out the character pieces by pieces. It's a more direct and freely way of modeling the character. It's good for the starter to learn how to form the shapes easily however I might be satisfied just for a moment because modeling a character mostly from sketch not a prepared polygon character. The drawback of this tutorial is there's no direction as I'm confuse about where to start from.

This is my testing product according to the tutorial. Not as perfect as the tutorial ones but along the process I learnt different kinds of technique to extend shapes, forming the characters and get to understand what are the impacts of these buttons. - hard to catch up but as I practice along the way I begin to work faster than before.

Reference:
Afzali, H. n.d. // Cartoon Character Design - Ayasha //. [online] Available at: http://www.3dtotal.com/tutorial/3d_studio_max/cartoon_character_design_ayasha/ayasha_01.php [Accessed: 1 Jan 2014].

• start from a simple character tutorial, not just about modeling the character but sharing some tips on how to create a good character by analyzing the characteristic and objective of my character.
• learn how to organize and break down the elements of the characters before proceed to modeling.
• begin with the basic shapes then adjust the edges to refine the characters.
• the template of the body as reference for my character since the size is similar.
• the usage of lightning to cast shadows and makes it more realistic

Other than character modeling tutorials, shortcut keys are important for me to work efficiently and save up a lot of time. This an article that contain whole list of shortcut keys for 3D studio max, it's impossible for me to memorize the whole keys but it's definitely a good reference to look at.  As I reference to this shortcut keys while modeling my character until I familiar with the keys are definitely something I've learned.

YouTube Annotation
Reference:
ReelSeo. 2011. How to use annotations to increase engagement [Creator's Tip #8]. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Ax1XIQ9hQ [Accessed: 1 Jan 2014].

 I've learn how the annotation settings works, adjust the time frame and linking the videos. It's pretty simple and direct tutorial with clear explanation and step by step tutorial. Moreover, there's a 'ah ha' moment during the learning process of this video where at the end of the video it shows recommended videos to look at. It came across my mind, why not showing the flashback into the GIF box. to show what's going on with the wolf's mind for each of choice so that user knows the purpose of choosing the path lead to different consequences.